MLB Network has begun its annual countdown of the top 100 players right now for the 2026 season, with the first episode revealing positions 81 through 100. Shohei Ohtani, who topped the list in three of the past four years including 2025, awaits confirmation of his status. The rankings highlight veterans declining and young stars rising across various positions.
The unveiling kicked off on January 14, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET, featuring MLB Network's production and research team's rankings, which use a formula distinct from 'The Shredder' method applied to positional top-10 lists. This initial segment spotlighted a mix of established names and emerging talents, reflecting shifts in player performance from the 2025 season.
In the 81-90 range, former high-rankers like Houston Astros left fielder Jose Altuve (2025 rank: 30) and Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (2025 rank: 39) appeared as they enter age-36 and age-34 seasons, respectively. Both were once near the top—Trout at No. 3 in 2023—but now occupy the 80s. Veteran relievers Edwin Díaz of the Dodgers and Aroldis Chapman of the Red Sox, who posted sub-2.00 ERAs and ranked among the top three in strikeout rate among qualified relievers in 2025, followed. San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (2025 rank: 38) and shortstop Willy Adames (2025 rank: 41) rounded out the group, with Adames marking the first 30-homer season for a Giants player since Barry Bonds in 2004. Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto delivered 26 home runs and 26 stolen bases last year, while Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery hit 21 homers in his first 71 MLB games. Kansas City Royals starter Cole Ragans (2025 rank: 43) and Cincinnati Reds starter Andrew Abbott completed the tier.
Positions 91-100 included a strong contingent of catchers on the ascent. Atlanta Braves' Drake Baldwin, the National League Rookie of the Year, led the group. Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman and Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers each hit 31 homers in 2025, topping NL and AL catchers, respectively. St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera recorded 19 homers and an .837 OPS over 107 games. New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, coming off a breakout year, will primarily play first base and face frequent matchups against new AL East rival Dylan Cease. Cease, ranked No. 100 (2025 rank: 55), signed a record-setting seven-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason. Other notables were Oakland Athletics right fielder Brent Rooker (2025 rank: 46), Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter (2025 rank: 89), and Yankees starter Carlos Rodón.
The countdown continues with Nos. 80-61 airing January 14 at 8 p.m. ET, followed by subsequent episodes through January 22.
